Meet the 2023 Catawba Nation Election Nominees: Jonathan Brown
"I want to make the tribe better than it was yesterday and build a better future for the Catawba Nation for years to come."
Update (May 10, 2023): This and other articles has been updated to reflect the title of “nominee” rather than “candidate”. Sources from the Catawba Nation Longhouse have advised that the final list of candidates may not be available until late May 2023.
Editor's Note: Catawba Future is publishing these statements word for word as received through our Catawba Nation Election Candidate Survey - no edits have been made. Our goal is to provide transparent insight directly to Catawba Citizens from Catawba Nation election nominees independent of the Catawba Nation tribal government. The nominee responses have been verified by phone to ensure they are straight from the source. The responses of the candidates represent their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or opinions of the Catawba Future team. This article is not intended nor should be interpreted to endorse any specific nominee or candidate.
Jonathan Brown is running for the position of Executive Committee Member at Large. Check out his responses to our questions below:
What is the most important issue for your platform in this election?
Bringing change, honesty and clarity back to the Catawba Nation.
What do you believe qualifies you to be elected for this position?
My Core Values, Honor, Courage, Commitment. I spent 10 years in the Marines, with two meritorious promotions and being the Honor Marine in Basic Reconnaissance School and Marine Scout Sniper School. When I got out, I took these principles to my civilian life. I acquired my Engineering Degree from Clemson, Project Management Professional (PMP) Certication from South Carolina, Master Black Belt Lean Six Sigma from Villanova University, and in Spring 2024, I will have an MBA from The Citadel. I work for Builders First Source as the Strategic Management Office for Logistics and Process Improvement. I’m responsible for the logistics and operations of 700 locations. I have saved the company 3.1 billion dollars in warehouse savings through five of my projects. I know I can bring this strategic thinking along with my leadership skills to the Catawba Nation. My promise is to make the Catawba Nation better than it is today.
What do you feel you can do for the Catawba Tribe?
I believe I can bring change, honesty and clarity to the Tribe. Tribal members want to see more transparency. First, I would schedule Quarterly Town Hall calls that will break down each department’s key performance indicators (KPI’s) and Catawba Nation as a whole. Second, make sure the elders on and off the reservation receive better care from heatlhcare to home improvement programs. Third, I also want more funding for all minors on and off the reservation. Leave no child behind and raise them up to be the next leaders of the Catawba Nation. Fourth, open the FSA card where tribal members have the ability to make any purchase just like a debit card. Fifth, take care of our asset the Two Kings Casino and have it going in the right direction.
What steps would you take to build Citizen trust in Catawba institutions?
Be honest to the tribal members, show loyalty and commitment to the Tribe, to be a good leader and to listen before you speak. I want to know the good, the bad, and the ugly. I will have the courage to tell the truth even if it is not what the Tribe wants to hear. My promise is to fight for the Tribe and be in the trenches with you.
What do you believe is the best way for the Election Committee to stay in touch with Catawba Citizens?
I believe that the best way for the EC to stay in touch with the Catawba Citizens is by keeping the citzens informed and up to date on whats being planned and what is going on now and what is planned for the future. This can be done through a social media platform, email updates and newsletters.
What's one policy or project you would work to implement during your time in office?
I would like to implement a heathcare program that will provide benefits for the spouses of tribal members that have enrolled tribal minors. This program will be affordable and favorable for the Tribe.
What is your favorite food?
Medium-rare Prime Rib with a loaded baked potato.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
I’m a proud Catawba member. I want to bring my leadership and knowledge back to the tribe. My goal is to do what is best for the tribe as a whole. I want to make the tribe better than it was yesterday and build a better future for the Catawba Nation for years to come. Vote for Executive Committee Nominee, Jonathan Brown!
I wanted to ask the same question that Justin asked below.
Mr Brown will you be quitting your current job or stepping down to part time to fill the ec position.